In 2024, a select group of elite football managers command substantial salaries, earning millions of pounds each season for their exceptional leadership skills.
These top-class coaches arguably deserve every penny of their astronomical wages, as they are typically responsible for creating a vision and ethos that lead to repeated success in domestic and prestigious European competitions. But who are the 9 highest paid Football Managers in the World 2024?
Below Are The World's Highest-Paid Football Managers
9. Jorge Jesus (£8 million)
Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus returned to Al Hilal in July 2023 after a five-year absence from the club. As one of the highest paid Football Managers in the World, the Saudi Arabian club are currently paying Jesus a handsome salary of £8 million per year.
Last season he guided Al Hilal to a treble of trophies including the Saudi Super Cup, King Cup and the Saudi Pro League. His team even surpassed the 100-goal mark for the campaign and finished with a record 96 points which was 14 more than their closest rivals Al Nassr.
8. Simone Inzaghi (£8.8 million)
Italian Coach Simone Inzaghi joined Inter Milan on a two-year contract back in 2021. As one of the highest paid Football Managers in 2024, the Serie A side are currently paying Inzaghi a wage of £8.8 million per year. Last season he drove Internazionale to the league title for the first time in three years with a silky yet direct style and registered a whopping 19 more points than neighbours AC Milan.
7. Erik ten Hag (£9 million)
Erik ten Hag was named manager of Manchester United in 2022 on an initial three-year deal. Among the highest-paid football managers in the world, the Dutchman collects a salary of £9 million per year at Old Trafford.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Ten Hag managed only a dismal eighth-place finish with the Red Devils, marking the club’s poorest league performance since their ill-fated relegation in 1974. Amid media rumours and discussions with several managers, including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, Man Utd decided to retain Ten Hag. He eventually signed a new contract on July 4, 2024.
6. Carlo Ancelotti (£9.6 million)
Legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti rejoined Real Madrid in 2021 following six years away from the Bernabeu in Germany and English football. As one of the highest paid Football Managers, the Spanish giants are currently paying Ancelotti a salary of £9.6 million per year. Last season he spear-headed Real Madrid’s double-winning side to the La Liga title and 2024 Champions League with victory over Borussia Dortmund.
5. Mikel Arteta (£15 million)
Mikel Arteta became Arsenal's manager in 2019 on a four-year deal, following a previous spell at the club as a player. As one of the highest-paid football managers in the world, the Spaniard was reportedly earning £8.3 million per year at the Emirates. However, on September 12, 2024, he renewed his contract, nearly doubling his salary to £15 million. During their 2023-24 campaign, Arteta pushed eventual Premier League Champions Manchester City all the way in an epic battle for the title, leading Arsenal to a second-place finish and an incredible total of 89 points.
4. Steven Gerrard (£15.2 million)
Steven Gerrard became manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in 2023 and recently signed a two-year contract extension with the club until 2027. Among the highest paid Football Managers in 2024, the Englishman reportedly earns a healthy £15.2 million per year. During their 2023-24 campaign, Gerrard achieved a sixth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq, totalling 48 points from 34 games.
3. Pep Guardiola (£20 million)
Spanish Coach Pep Guardiola joined Manchester City on an initial three-year contract back in 2016. As one of the highest paid Football Managers in the World, the Premier League outfit are currently paying Guardiola a staggering £20 million per year.
Last season, the Spaniard once again inspired the Premier League juggernauts to another title, achieving a record four consecutive English league honours and narrowly missing out on the Champions League following a semi-final loss to Real Madrid.
2. Roberto Mancini (£21 million)
Roberto Mancini was announced as head coach of the Saudi Arabian national team in 2023 with his current contract running until 2027. Among the highest paid Football Managers, the decorated Italian bags a sensational and eye-watering salary of £21 million per year.
Mancini was recently criticised for his unsportsmanlike behaviour during an international match against South Korea when he was seen walking down the tunnel after Abdulrahman Ghareeb missed the Saudi Arabian club’s second penalty during a shootout.
1. Diego Simeone (£30 million)
Fiery Argentine Diego Simeone was unveiled as Atletico Madrid manager over a decade ago, in 2011. As the highest-paid football manager in the world, the La Liga club currently pays Simeone a staggering salary of £30 million per year.
He continues to help Atletico punch above their weight, guiding them to a respectable fourth-place finish last season and securing the promise of Champions League football for yet another year.
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